WHAT WE DO
THE IMPUNITY WATCH COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Our approach to reducing impunity is comprehensive in four key aspects:
Strategy
On strategy, we do not adopt only one method of combating impunity but combine research, policy, advocacy and lobbying into one coherent process. Good policy comes only with a solid knowledge of the issue and a detailed understanding of the specific problem to be tackled. In the field of reducing impunity, this means that the best policies will benefit from the results of in-depth empirical research into the obstacles faced by the individuals and institutions that work to provide truth, justice, reparations and institutional reform following mass atrocities. Using a unique research methodology, Impunity Watch offers specialised knowledge and analysis to policy makers and those providing cooperation assistance (such as financial and material aid, training or technical advice) so that efforts and resources can be maximised.
Research scope
The scope of our research makes it the first initiative of its kind to take a comprehensive and detailed look at processes of truth seeking, justice, reparations and reform (often called ‘transitional justice mechanisms.’) The aim is to identify specific factors that are obstructing or facilitating these processes and to point toward practical solutions. Importantly, this research can be applied to single mechanism or bodies - for example a truth commission - but was designed to examine all relevant mechanisms and bodies together. There is often a complex interplay between the different transitional justice mechanisms that are now often used simultaneously or in sequence and between the institutions carrying them out. This means that both policy makers and those who assist states and institutions in this field require a holistic view of how certain problems and solutions for one process can affect others in the short and longer term. We also do not only look inside institutions. In addition to issues like the legal and regulatory framework, resources of all kinds and political will, we widen our inquiry to include factors that may be entirely or partially beyond the control of the institution or even of the state itself, but which nonetheless can play a crucial role in the success or failure of efforts to respond to past atrocities. The research therefore covers social, economic and cultural phenomena as well as the specific study of the situation of victims and families and the influence of powerful vested interests.
Participation
We are firmly committed to promoting the participation of civil society in the process of researching and responding to impunity. It is widely recognised, including by the United Nations, that combating impunity strengthens the rule of law in post conflict and post repression situations and that such policies are much more likely to succeed if generated from within the societies in which they will be implemented. A fundamental part of making this happen is to ensure that civil society groups – especially those that are formed by or represent victims - are in a position to give constructive and relevant input into how these policies are designed. Impunity Watch carries out all stages of its work with the active participation of such groups, from designing the research tools right through to lobbying policy-makers to adopt recommendations based on that research. The aim is both to harness the expertise and knowledge that these groups have about impunity in their national context and to provide a programme in which they can increase their impact with policy makers and build new or improved skills. We offer ongoing support and specialised training during all phases of our work. Our research methodology is designed so that partner groups can also involve their own constituencies in the process – particularly victims and families. And we ensure that a relevant spectrum of public officials provides detailed input so as to make sure our work on research and policy design is truly inclusive.
Looking long term
Finally, the long term is key. Achieving a solid understanding of impunity in specific national contexts and putting in place policies with the best chance of reducing it will be of little consequence without an ongoing commitment to the success of those policies: commitment by the state, the international community and society. Any approach claiming to be comprehensive would surely falter if it failed to stay the course. We aim to use our Country Programme research results as a baseline upon which national programmes of oversight and monitoring can be created. These will enable national civil society groups to track the state’s progress in addressing the obstacles to accountability, recognise achievements while keeping the pressure on where there are insufficient advances and to continue research into the causes of policy failure and success.